Petunia plant named &#39;Sunpimo&#39;

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a new and distinct variety of Petunia plant having a decumbent habit and long stems. The Petunia plant has abundant branching, and great profusion of blooms, a whole plant remaining in bloom for a considerable period of time. The flowers are single and small in size, the petals having a vivid reddish purple color with light purplish pink morn. The bottom color of the corolla throat is yellowish white and the outside of the corolla tube is yellowish white. The plant exhibits high resistance to rain, heat, cold and disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

[0001] The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety ofpetunia plant originated from the crossing a seedling called ‘5Pt-30-1’(♀) and a wild type Petunia plant called ‘1796’ (♂).

[0002] The Petunia is a very popular plant that is used for flowerbedding and potting in the summer season. There are only a few Petuniavarieties which do not have an upright growth habit and which have ahigh resistance to rain, heat, and diseases. The Petunia plant that wepreviously bred, i.e. the ‘Revolution’ series (‘Revolution Purple pink’(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,915), ‘Revolution Brilliant pink’ (U.S. PlantPat. No. 6,914), ‘Revolution Brilliant pink-mini’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.6,899), and ‘Revolution Blue vein’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,322)) aredecumbent type plants having long stems, a lower plant height, abundantbranching, and a high resistance to heat, rain and disease. However,there are only a few Petunia varieties having a great profusion offlowers, softly colored flower petals and a high resistance to rain,heat, and diseases. Accordingly, this invention is aimed at obtaining anew variety having vivid reddish purple colored petals with lightpurplish pink morn together with the above features.

[0003] The new variety of petunia plant according to this inventionoriginated from crossing a seedling called ‘5Pt-30-1’ (♀) and a wildtype Petunia plant called 1796(♂). ‘5Pt-30-1’ is the strain obtainedfrom a seedling called ‘Baccarat Pink’ (not-patented in the UnitedStates) in Japan. The seed of ‘Baccarat Pink’ was bought from SakataSeed Ltd. ‘1796’ (not-patented in the United States) is a decumbent,wild type Petunia plant native to Brazil.

[0004] In April 1998, crossing of ‘5Pt-30-1’ as female parent, which isthe strain obtained from ‘Baccarat Pink’ (not-patented in the UnitedStates, Sakata Seeds Ltd.), and 1796as pollen parent was conducted atOmi R&D Center, Flower Division, Suntory Ltd. In January 1999, and 120seedlings were obtained from that crossing. These seedlings were grownin pots in glasshouses and tested. One new variety was selected in viewof its decumbent growth habit and its flower color. That seedling waspropagated by cutting from July 1999, and a trial was carried out byflower potting and bedding from March 2000, at the Omi R&D Center,Flower Division, Suntory Ltd. The botanical characteristics of thatplant were then examined, using similar varieties ‘Revolution pink-mini’and ‘Sunpapi’ for comparison. As a result, it was concluded that thispetunia plant is distinguishable from any other variety, whose existenceis known to us, and is uniform and stable in its characteristics. Thenthe new variety of petunia plant was named ‘SUNPIMO’.

[0005] In the following description, the color-coding is in accordancewith the Horticultural Color Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society,London, England (R.H.S. Color Chart). A color chart based on The JapanColor Standard for Horticultural Plants (J.H.S. Color Chart) is alsoadded for reference.

[0006] The female parent used in the crossing of ‘SUNPIMO’ called‘5Pt-30-1’ has a medium growth habit while that of the new variety isdecumbent. The branching is fewer than the new variety. It has smallsingle flowers, the petals having vivid reddish purple (R.H.S. 74A,J.H.S. 9207) with pale purplish pink (R.H.S. 65D, J.H.S. 8902) morn. Thebottom color of the corolla throat is yellowish white (R.H.S. 1D,J.H.S.3102) and the outside color of the corolla tube is yellowish white(R.H.S. 1D, J.H.S.3102).

[0007] The main botanical characteristics of the ‘5Pt-30-1’ are asfollows:

[0008] Plant:

[0009] Growth habit.—Medium.

[0010] Plant height.—15.5 cm.

[0011] Spreading area of plant.—Slightly small.

[0012] Blooming period.—April to July in the southern Kanto area, Japan

[0013] Stem:

[0014] Length.—13.5 cm.

[0015] Thickness.—Main stem 2.0 mm.

[0016] Pubescence.—Normal.

[0017] Branching.—Medium.

[0018] Length of internode.—2.5 cm.

[0019] Color.—Light yellow green (R.H.S. 145C, J.H.S. 3503).

[0020] Leaf:

[0021] Whole shape.—Elliptic. The apex shape is acute, and the baseshape is attenuate.

[0022] Length. —3.8 cm.

[0023] Width.—2.0 cm.

[0024] Color.—Upper-side color is dark olive green (R.H.S. 137A, J.H.S.3707). Bottom-side color is moderate yellow green (R.H.S. 147B, J.H.S.3513)

[0025] Pubescence.—Sparse.

[0026] Flower:

[0027] Facing direction.—Upward.

[0028] Type.—Single.

[0029] Shape.—Funnel-shape, with five-fissured limb.

[0030] Shape of petal chip.—Round.

[0031] Lobation.—Shallow.

[0032] Waving of petal.—Slightly weak.

[0033] Diameter.—5.5 cm.

[0034] Color.—Petal; vivid reddish purple (R.H.S. 74A, J.H.S.9207) withpale purplish pink (R.H.S. 65D, J.H.S.8902) morn. Bottom color of thecorolla throat; yellowish white (R.H.S. 1D, J.H.S.3102). Outside colorof the corolla tube; yellowish white (R.H.S. 1D, J.H.S.3102).

[0035] Reproductive organs.—l normal pistil and 5 normal stamens. Colorof pistil is vivid yellow green (R.H.S. 144B, J.H.S.3506). Color ofstamen is yellowish white (R.H.S. 155D, J.H.S.2501).

[0036] Peduncle.—1.3 mm in thickness, and 2.0 cm in length.

[0037] Physiological and ecological characteristics;—Strong resistanceto cold, rain, pests and disease. Moderate resistance to heat.

[0038] The male parent ‘1796’ used in the crossing of ‘SUNPIMO’ was awild type petunia plant native to Brazil. The petunia plant ‘1796’ ishas a decumbent habit with long stems and many branching. The leaf isvery small without petiole. It has a very small single flower, and vividreddish purple colored (R.H.S. 74B, J.H.S. 9206) petals. The bottomcolor of the corolla throat is yellowish white (R.H.S. 159D, J.H.S.1901). The outside color of the corolla tube is yellowish white (R.H.S.159D, J.H.S. 1901).

[0039] The main botanical characteristics of the ‘1796’ are as follows:

[0040] Plant:

[0041] Growth habit.—Decumbent.

[0042] Plant height.—5.5 cm.

[0043] Spreading area of plant.—Large.

[0044] Blooming period.—May to August in the southern Kanto area, Japan

[0045] Stem:

[0046] Length.—16.0 cm.

[0047] Thickness.—1.5 mm.

[0048] Pubescence.—Normal.

[0049] Branching.—Many.

[0050] Length of internode.—1.5 cm.

[0051] Color.—Light yellow green (R.H.S. 145C, J.H.S. 3503).

[0052] Leaf:

[0053] Whole shape.—Elliptic. The apex shape is acute, and the baseshape is attenuate.

[0054] Length.—2.7 cm.

[0055] Width.—1.7 cm.

[0056] Color.—Upper-side color is strong yellow green (R.H.S. 143A,J.H.S. 3711). Bottom-side color is moderate yellow green (R.H.S. 147B,J.H.S. 3513)

[0057] Pubescence.—Sparse.

[0058] Flower:

[0059] Facing direction.—Slanted upward.

[0060] Type.—Single.

[0061] Shape.—Funnel-shape, with five-fissured limb.

[0062] Shape of petal chip.—Round.

[0063] Lobation.—Shallow

[0064] Waving of petal.—Weak.

[0065] Diameter.—4.1 cm.

[0066] Color.—Petal; vivid reddish purple (R.H.S. 74B, J.H.S. 9206).Bottom color of the corolla throat; yellowish white (R.H.S. 159D,J.H.S.1901). Outside color of the corolla tube; yellowish white (R.H.S.159D, J.H.S.1901).

[0067] Reproductive organs.—1 normal pistil and 5 normal stamens. Colorof pistil is vivid yellow green (R.H.S. 144B, J.H.S.3506). Color ofstamen is yellowish white (R.H.S. 155D, J.H.S.2501).

[0068] Peduncle.—1.1 mm in thickness, and 1.8 cm in length.

[0069] Physiological and ecological characteristics;—Moderate resistanceto pests. Strong resistance to rain, cold, heat and diseases.

[0070] The main botanical characteristics of a similar variety‘Revolution pink-mini’ used for comparison are as follows:

[0071] Plant:

[0072] Growth habit.—Decumbent.

[0073] Plant height.—20 cm.

[0074] Spreading area of plant.—Large

[0075] Blooming period.—May to August in the southern Kanto area, Japan

[0076] Stem:

[0077] Length.—15 cm.

[0078] Thickness.—Main stem 2.5 mm.

[0079] Pubescence.—Normal.

[0080] Branching.—Many.

[0081] Length of internode.—2.0 cm.

[0082] Color.—Light yellow green (R.H.S. 145C, J.H.S. 3503).

[0083] Leaf:

[0084] Whole shape.—Elliptic. The apex shape is acute, and the baseshape is attenuate.

[0085] Length.—5.0 cm.

[0086] Width.—3.0 cm.

[0087] Color.—Upper-side color is dark olive green (R.H.S.137A,J.H.S.3509). Bottom-side color is moderate yellow green (R.H.S. 147B,J.H.S. 3513).

[0088] Pubescence.—Normal.

[0089] Flower:

[0090] Facing direction.—Slanted upward.

[0091] Type.—Single.

[0092] Shape.—Funnel-shape, with five-fissured limb.

[0093] Shape of petal chip.—Round.

[0094] Lobation.—Shallow.

[0095] Waving of petal.—Weak.

[0096] Diameter.—4.5 cm.

[0097] Color.—Petal; Vivid reddish purple (R.H.S. 71D, J.H.S.9206).Bottom color of the corolla throat is pinkish white (R.H.S. 69D,J.H.S.9201). Outside color of the corolla tube is strong purplish pink(R.H.S. 73B, J.H.S.9204).

[0098] Reproductive organs.—1normal pistil and 5 normal stamens. Colorof pistil is vivid yellow green (R.H.S. 144B, J.H.S.3506). Color ofstamen is yellowish white (R.H.S. 155D, J.H.S..2501).

[0099] Peduncle.—1.0 mm in thickness, and 2.0 cm in length.

[0100] Physiological and ecological characteristics;—Strong resistanceto cold, heat, rain and diseases. Moderate resistance to pests.

[0101] The main botanical characteristics of a similar variety ‘Sunpapi’used for comparison are as follows:

[0102] Plant:

[0103] Growth habit.—Decumbent.

[0104] Plant height.—11.5 cm.

[0105] Spreading area of plant.—Large

[0106] Blooming period.—April to September in the southern Kanto area,Japan

[0107] Stem:

[0108] Length.—18.0 cm.

[0109] Thickness.—Main stem 3.2 mm.

[0110] Pubescence.—Normal.

[0111] Branching.—Many.

[0112] Length of internode.—2.2 cm.

[0113] Color.—Light yellow green (R.H.S. 145C, J.H.S. 3503)

[0114] Leaf:

[0115] Whole shape.—Lanceolate. The apex shape is acute, and the baseshape is attenuate.

[0116] Length. —6.1 cm.

[0117] Width.—2.7 cm.

[0118] Color.—Upper-side color is dark olive green (R.H.S.137A, J.H.S.3707). Bottom-side color is moderate yellow green (R.H.S. 147B, J.H.S.3513)

[0119] Pubescence.—Normal.

[0120] Flower:

[0121] Facing direction.—Slanted upward.

[0122] Type.—Single.

[0123] Shape.—Funnel-shape, with five-fissured limb.

[0124] Shape of petal chip.—Obtuse.

[0125] Lobation.—Shallow

[0126] Waving of petal.—Weak.

[0127] Diameter.—6.0 cm.

[0128] Color.—Petal; deep purplish pink (R.H.S. 68B, J.H.S. 9205).Bottom color of the corolla throat; yellowish white (R.H.S. 159D,J.H.S.1901). outside color of the corolla tube; yellowish white (R.H.S.159D, J.H.S.1901).

[0129] Reproductive organs.—1 normal pistil and 5 normal stamens. Colorof pistil is vivid yellow green (R.H.S. 144B, J.H.S.3506). Color ofstamen is yellowish white (R.H.S. 155D, J.H.S.2501).

[0130] Peduncle.—1.4 mm in thickness, and 1.8 cm in length.

[0131] Physiological and ecological characteristics;—Strong resistanceto cold, heat, rain and diseases. Moderate resistance to pests.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

[0132] The new variety of the petunia plant has a decumbent growthhabit, abundant branching and a great profusion of blooms with a wholeplant remaining in bloom for a considerable period of time. The flowersare single and small in size. The petal color is vivid reddish purplewith light purplish pink morn. The plant has a high resistance to rain,cold, heat and diseases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

[0133]FIG. 1 is a photograph of flowers and leaves of the new variety ofPetunia plant ‘SUNPIMO’.

[0134]FIG. 2 is a photograph of flowers of the new variety of Petuniaplant ‘SUNPIMO’.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0135] The botanical characteristics of the new and distinct variety ofPetunia plant named ‘SUNPIMO’ are as follows.

[0136] Plant:

[0137] Growth habit.—Decumbent.

[0138] Plant height.—18 cm.

[0139] Spreading area of plant.—Large.

[0140] Blooming period.—Early April to late October in the southernKanto area, Japan. The plant shape does not change throughout thisperiod. A typical flower commonly lasts approximately 5 days on theplant when experiencing a temperature of approximately 20.degree. C.

[0141] Stem:

[0142] Length.—12 cm.

[0143] Thickness.—1.5 mm.

[0144] Pubescence.—Slightly dense.

[0145] Branching.—Many.

[0146] Length of internode.—2.5 cm.

[0147] Color.—Light yellow green (R.H.S. 145C, J.H.S. 3503).

[0148] Leaf:

[0149] Whole shape.—Slightly lanceolate. The apex shape is acute, andthe base shape is attenuate.

[0150] Length.—4.0 cm.

[0151] Width.—2.0 cm.

[0152] Color.—Upper side color is moderate olive green (R.H.S. 146A,J.H.S. 3508). Bottom side color is moderate yellow green (R.H.S. 147B,J.H.S. 3513).

[0153] Thickness.—0.8 mm.

[0154] Pubescence.—Sparse.

[0155] Flower:

[0156] Facing direction.—Slantly upward

[0157] Type.—Single.

[0158] Shape.—Funnel-shape, with five-fissured limb.

[0159] Shape of petal chip.—Round.

[0160] Lobation.—Shallow

[0161] Waving of petal.—Slightly weak.

[0162] Diameter.—4.5 cm.

[0163] Color.—Petal; vivid reddish purple (R.H.S. 74B, J.H.S. 9206) withlight purplish pink (R.H.S. 65B J.H.S. 9203) morn. Bottom color of thecorolla throat; yellowish white (R.H.S. 1D, J.H.S. 3102). Outside colorof the corolla tube; yellowish white (R.H.S. 1D, J.H.S. 3102).

[0164] Reproductive organs.—1 normal pistil and 5 normal stamens. Colorof pistil is vivid yellow green (R.H.S. 144B, J.H.S.3506). Color ofstamen is yellowish white (R.H.S. 155D, J.H.S.2501).

[0165] Peduncle.—1 mm in diameter and 2 cm in length.

[0166] Physiological and ecological characteristics;—High resistance torain, cold, heat and diseases. Moderate resistance to pests.

[0167] This new variety of Petunia plant is most suitable for flowerbedding and potting, particularly in hanging pots or planters, and isexcellent for use as ground cover. Pinching of old blossoms will enhancethe formation of new blossoms.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Petunia plant, substantiallyas herein illustrated and described, characterized particularly as tonovelty by (A) having a decumbent habit with long stems, (B) an abundantbranching and great profusion of blooms, a whole bush remaining in bloomfor a considerable period of time, (C) flowers are single and small insize, the petals have a vivid reddish purple color with light purplishpink morn, and the bottom color of the corolla throat is yellowish whiteand the outside color of corolla tube is yellowish white, and (D) a highresistance to rain, heat, cold and diseases.